Braxston Cave: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Notre Dame Center

Notre Dame center Braxston Cave is one of just a handful of centers to be considered at least a mid-round prospect in this year's draft. For teams in the market for a center, Cave will be a hot commodity.

The physically imposing Cave is a tough, hard-nosed player who will be a strong presence in the locker room.

Background

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Full Name: Braxston Cave

Birthday: July 29, 1989

Hometown: Granger, IN

High School: Penn High School

Major: Psychology

Year: Redshirt Senior

Born and raised in Fighting Irish country, Cave (not surprisingly) decided to attend Notre Dame after being a highly sought-after recruit. He is currently a graduate student after earning his degree in 2012.

Observations

Cave is at his best blocking one-on-one in the ground game. He's not especially quick, but he's tough and tenacious, allowing him to push around opponents.

Against speed, he struggles badly, as he lacks the technique to make up for his mediocre foot quickness.

Walter Cherepinsky of Walterfootball.com summarizes his issues nicely, writing, "For the NFL, Cave is a mauler at the line of scrimmage but isn't quick or agile. He struggled against Purdue speedy defensive tackle Kawann Short early in the 2012."